St. Jerome 1651

Jusepe de Ribera's "St. Jerome" (1651) is a striking portrayal of the patron saint of scholars. Depicted in the throes of writing, the emaciated figure of St. Jerome is a testament to Ribera's mastery of tenebrism, a technique that uses strong contrasts of light and shadow to heighten drama. The skull, a symbol of mortality, and the open book, a reminder of Jerome's profound theological knowledge, enhance the painting's symbolic depth. The painting is currently housed in the National Museum of Capodimonte, Naples, Italy, and is an enduring example of Spanish Baroque art.